Tailed, blocked, shot dead: Cops say Suvendu Adhikari aide's murder was planned

Chandranath Rath, a close aide of Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead in a planned ambush in Madhyamgram. The killing has sharpened post-poll tensions in West Bengal as police scan CCTV footage and rival parties trade accusations.

In Short

• Attack involved over 10 rounds; vehicle followed by 2 others before firing
• Chandranath Rath, aide to BJP's Suvendu Adhikari, shot dead in Bengal
• Police seized the vehicle and reviewing CCTV footage for suspects

BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s close aide and personal assistant, Chandranath Rath, was shot dead in what investigators suspect was a carefully planned murder. Police sources said approximately 10 rounds were fired during the attack, though the number could be higher.

Sources said three local history sheeters are currently being questioned by police, though the main assailants remain absconding.

Rath, who had worked closely with Adhikari for several years, came under attack on Wednesday night in Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas district. He suffered multiple gunshot wounds and doctors at a private hospital later declared him dead.

According to police sources, the pattern of the crime suggests extensive planning. Investigators believe the attackers conducted a recce of the area beforehand and mapped out an escape route before carrying out the killing.

Early findings indicate Rath Scorpio was being followed by two vehicles, a silver-colour Santro car bearing registration number WB74AX2270 and a motorcycle.

Sources said the four-wheeler overtook Rath’s car and forced it to slow down. Moments later, bike-borne assailants opened fire from close range.

At least 10 rounds struck Rath, with bullets hitting his chest, abdomen and head. Eyewitnesses told police that the motorcycle used in the attack carried no registration plate, strengthening suspicions of a premeditated hit.

“Someone followed his car and when it slowed down, they opened fire,” a source said while describing the sequence of events.

The driver of Rath’s vehicle also sustained injuries in the firing and remains under treatment at SSKM Hospital in Kolkata. His condition is reported to be critical.

Sources said investigators recovered bullet shells from the spot and suspect the attackers may have used a small firearm, possibly an Austrian-made Glock pistol. Officials cautioned that forensic analysis would determine the exact weapon used in the attack. Forensic teams also reached the murder spot to collect evidence, especially bullet shells.

Visuals from the crime scene showed bullet marks on the car window, highlighting the intensity of the firing. Police teams recovered empty cartridges and live bullets from the area.

West Bengal Director General of Police Siddh Nath Gupta said investigators intercepted one vehicle linked to the case. “The car’s number plate had been tampered with. We have seized the vehicle and recovered fired cartridges and live rounds. Multiple CCTV footages are being examined,” he said.

Police teams are scanning CCTV footage from Jessore Road and nearby areas to trace the movement of the suspects. Officers are also questioning local witnesses as part of the investigation.

Calling the killing a “pre-planned murder” and a “personal loss”, Suvendu Adhikari urged BJP workers to maintain peace. “A lot of incidents have happened in nearby areas. Police are investigating the entire case. It’s a pre-planned murder. It's a personal loss for me,” Adhikari told reporters. “I appeal to all BJP workers to maintain peace. It's a painful murder. Police have assured us of proper actions in the case,” he added. Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya also reached the hospital following the attack.

Hours after the incident, BJP leader Arjun Singh accused Trinamool Congress General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee of “orchestrating” the attack. “Abhishek Banerjee has orchestrated this murder. They want to send a message that even though they are not in power, they are still a force to be reckoned with over us,” Singh said. “They are fools. They will get their answer.”

The Trinamool Congress condemned the killing and denied the allegations. In a statement, the party said violence and political killings had no place in a democracy and demanded a court-monitored probe into the incident.

The murder has intensified tensions across West Bengal, where sporadic violence has erupted since the BJP’s sweeping Assembly election victory.

- Ends